Recipient Announced for the AACTA Young Stars: National Youth Casting Call

Rising Star, Joe Bird Announced as the Recipient of the 2025 AACTA Young Stars National Youth Casting Call

The Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts (AACTA), in collaboration with Casting Networks® and the Casting Guild of Australia (CGA), are proud to announce Joe Bird as the recipient of AACTA Young Stars: National Youth Casting Call. 

Joe was selected from a highly competitive pool of young talent, emerging as the top choice among 13 exceptional finalists. The selection process was overseen by a leading panel of casting directors, including Thea McLeod, Anousha Zarkesh, and Nikki Barrett, as well as internationally renowned casting director Nina Gold, whose  work includes Game of Thrones, Baby Reindeer, and many other globally acclaimed productions.

Joe Bird is a rising young actor from South Australia, who has already had experience in the industry, gaining international recognition for his role in A24’s critically acclaimed horror breakout Talk to Me directed by AACTA winning directors, Danny and Michael Philippou. His previous credits include the psychological thriller Rabbit and the award-winning ABC series First Day, demonstrating his versatility across film and television. 

As part of his prize, Joe will receive a mentorship opportunity with leading industry professionals, as well as exclusive industry access and support to help further his career.

He will also receive a $10,000 Flight Centre voucher and $2,500 in cash travel support to fly to the United States. There, they will have the invaluable opportunity to meet with a renowned international Casting Director, network with key industry professionals, and participate in a weeklong workshop at the prestigious American Arts Film TV Academy. And on top of this all, Joe will gain access to The Studio by Casting Networks in Sydney for one year.

AACTA Awards and Industry Development Manager, Ivan Vukusic said “Congratulations to Joe Bird for becoming the 2nd AACTA Young Stars recipient. Joe’s remarkable talent and on-screen presence have already captivated audiences, and this recognition marks an exciting next step in, what is sure to be, an impressive career.

Initiatives like AACTA Young Stars not only spotlight emerging talent but also create tangible pathways for young actors to gain mentorship, resources, and global connections. By investing in the next generation of creatives, we’re nurturing the storytellers and performers who will shape the future of Australian cinema and television — both at home and on the world stage. AACTA is proud to champion these opportunities, ensuring that fresh voices continue to rise and that the Australian screen industry remains bold, dynamic, and globally influential. We can’t wait to see what the future holds for Joe and the impact he will undoubtedly make.”

Thea McLeod, President of the CGA said "In a sea of phenomenal talent from across Australia, selecting a winner from the impressive pool of young actors was truly challenging. Each entrant showcased their unique skill, creativity and dedication, highlighting the incredible standard of emerging talent in Australia.

We are delighted to announce Joe Bird as the AACTA Young Stars winner for 2025. The judges were captivated by Joe's exceptional talent and inspiring journey, and we eagerly anticipate his future endeavours as his career continues to soar to new heights.     

We extend our heartfelt thanks to all the participants for their passion and commitment to the AACTA Young Stars initiative. The CGA is proud to engage with this inspiring cohort of young actors, and we look forward to witnessing their success and creative contributions to the industry now and in the years to come."

Ryan Hicks, Senior Manager Business Development at Casting Networks said "We are thrilled to congratulate Joe on behalf of Casting Networks as the winner of this year’s Young Stars Competition. His exceptional talent and dedication have truly set him apart, and we are excited to follow the journey that he will now embark on.
To all our finalists, your creativity, passion, and resilience have not gone unnoticed. You represent the bright future of our industry, and we encourage you to continue honing your craft. Your journey doesn’t end here; it’s just the beginning of endless possibilities that lie ahead.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to every participant who shared their talent with us. Your participation has made this competition a vibrant showcase of emerging talent. A special thank you to our amazing judges for their dedication and insightful evaluations throughout the competition. Your expertise has been invaluable in shaping the future stars of our industry."